Worker's Compensation Attorney

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 1.3 million people get exposed to asbestos at their workplace every day. It is a well-known fact that there is a link between asbestos and serious health ailments like mesothelioma. Workers all around the world have questions such as –

What is asbestos?

In which profession are you more likely to get asbestos exposure?

What steps can be taken to protect the workers from diseases like mesothelioma?

Here are answers to some of these important questions about asbestos exposure:

Health Risks of Asbestos in the Workplace

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous material. Asbestos is used by various industries and professions due to its durability and resistance to heat and flame. Asbestos is linked to serious health ailments and over the years, workers have developed serious health ailments such as mesothelioma.

Major health risks arise due to long term exposure to asbestos at the workplace. Most of the workers who have developed serious ailments are those who have spent decades in the industry, long before any preventive and safety measures arrived. Workers exposed to asbestos may develop ailments such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers.

High Risk Occupations

Here are some of the jobs which have the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

Mining

Shipbuilding

Paper Mills

Roofing

Repair of cooling and heating equipment

Brake and clutch repairs of automobiles

Janitorial work which includes deterioration of asbestos

Manufacturing of products which includes asbestos

Workers’ Protection Rights From Asbestos Exposure

Those who work in an environment where exposure to asbestos is high can speak to their union representative or supervisor about any possible health risks and the steps to prevent those risks. Workplace safety agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can regulate and monitor exposure of asbestos by setting the exposure limit for various industries.

If a worker’s job involves significant asbestos exposure, the employer is required to take preventive measures as per the legal norms. An employer may have to provide the following kinds of protection from asbestos exposure to their employees as per the legal obligations:

Properly training of employees who will be working in asbestos exposed environment

Monitoring exposure levels for employees who are involved in the removal process of asbestos containing materials

Lawsuits over Asbestos at Workplace

Workers who work under high level asbestos exposure may have certain queries related to the lawsuits. They should keep in mind a few important things while dealing with asbestos exposure:

Whose Legal Responsibility Is It?

If a worker suffers from health problems due to high levels of asbestos exposure the workplace, a case can be filed against:

The company which manufactured the asbestos or the protective equipment that didn’t work appropriately

Owners of the place where the work is performed

Contractors or sub-contractors involved in the work

Finding an Attorney

A worker must consult an experienced and reputed if any of the asbestos-related symptoms are visible. The attorney will take the worker through the entire process of filing a lawsuit, making the process less complicated.

It's important for workers to know their rights related to asbestos exposure in workplace, so they can lead healthier and happier lives.

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About The Author

Thomas M. Nantais is the Co- owner of Gaylord & Nantais, a legal firm specializing in workers’ compensation, in the state of California. This firm deals in getting hearing loss compensation and work related injuries compensation for those who have worked in the state of California. With his sincere efforts, Thomas is committed to meet the highest standards of the legal industry, and aims to provide the clients with an honest and aggressive representation.

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